4 answers
Viktoriia
Student
Spokane, Washington
3
Questions
Asked
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Is it possible to grow from SPT to ST?
I’m interested in becoming a Surgical Technologist, but unfortunately, there aren’t any affordable programs in my area. I’ve heard that some hospitals offer tuition assistance or career advancement programs for employees who start as Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs). I’d love to know if that’s true and if you or someone you know has taken that path. How long did it take? Thanks in advance!
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4 answers
Elyse Crotty
Certified Surgical Technologist
9
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Yes - this is totally possible! I did not do this personally but I have a few friends that did. A background in sterility & surgical instruments will help you greatly when you are a surgical tech student and become a CST. Maybe you can shadow/observe in the OR a day or two before you apply to a CST program? This is assuming you have not already been in the OR before. This route will probably take you about 2 years (enough time to earn an AA in surgical technology) or you can do it maybe a year (enough time to earn a certification in surgical technology). I earned a certification in one year and then took the NBSTSA exam. That certifies you for 2 years. Best of luck to you!
Thank you for your advise, Elyse!
Viktoriia
Michelle M.
Actress
2315
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Viktoriia !
Yes, going from Sterile Processing Technician to Surgical Technologist is a superb career move and having the SPT will greatly enhance you as a Surgical Technologist. This is a fabulous career path.
I know you're concerned about cost as you've mentioned, however you can go to Spokane Community College for the Associates Degree for Surgical Technology and it wouldn't really be that much of a financial burden. Yes, Spokane Community College is surprisingly expensive, but it would be for only 2 years and you can ease the expense by applying for Federal Student Financial Aid, scholarships from the college and also outside the college and private grants in addition to the Federal Student Financial Aid. This is quite doable and the Associate Degree will be a huge plus when applying for work in this field.
This is a path that you will best go through full time without any gaps. With employer reimbursement, you'd still have to pay the tuition and then the employer pays you. I'm not sure if there are employers that send the money directly to the college, otherwise I would suggest working for someone who outright pays the tuition directly. But my instinct is that you should do this program full time and it's only two years and financial aid is available.
Think about it some more and if you think you'd like to give Spokane Community College a go, return here and inquire about Scholarships and Grants to fund your education, as well as how Federal Student Financial Aid works. You can do this. It is a field of work that is on the rise with robust growth, so it'll be worth it.
Best wishes in all you do and I look forward to your return with more inquiries !
Yes, going from Sterile Processing Technician to Surgical Technologist is a superb career move and having the SPT will greatly enhance you as a Surgical Technologist. This is a fabulous career path.
I know you're concerned about cost as you've mentioned, however you can go to Spokane Community College for the Associates Degree for Surgical Technology and it wouldn't really be that much of a financial burden. Yes, Spokane Community College is surprisingly expensive, but it would be for only 2 years and you can ease the expense by applying for Federal Student Financial Aid, scholarships from the college and also outside the college and private grants in addition to the Federal Student Financial Aid. This is quite doable and the Associate Degree will be a huge plus when applying for work in this field.
This is a path that you will best go through full time without any gaps. With employer reimbursement, you'd still have to pay the tuition and then the employer pays you. I'm not sure if there are employers that send the money directly to the college, otherwise I would suggest working for someone who outright pays the tuition directly. But my instinct is that you should do this program full time and it's only two years and financial aid is available.
Think about it some more and if you think you'd like to give Spokane Community College a go, return here and inquire about Scholarships and Grants to fund your education, as well as how Federal Student Financial Aid works. You can do this. It is a field of work that is on the rise with robust growth, so it'll be worth it.
Best wishes in all you do and I look forward to your return with more inquiries !
Thank you for your response, Michelle! The issue with SCC is that it could take 3-4 years to complete since I’d need to take extra courses like Math and English before even getting on the waitlist. They accept only 18 students per year, so I might have to wait a year or more just to start. Unfortunately, I can’t afford to wait that long since I need to start working soon to support my parents financially.
Viktoriia
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
395
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Viktoriia,
Absolutely, transitioning from a Sterile Processing Tech to a Surgical Tech is achievable and can be a great career move. Many hospitals support employee growth with tuition assistance and career advancement programs. Starting as an SPT is an excellent way to enter healthcare, build connections, and seize opportunities. It may take a year or two, depending on the program, but the journey is worthwhile. Talk to those who have done it, visit online forums, and join local healthcare groups to get valuable insights. You can do this!
Absolutely, transitioning from a Sterile Processing Tech to a Surgical Tech is achievable and can be a great career move. Many hospitals support employee growth with tuition assistance and career advancement programs. Starting as an SPT is an excellent way to enter healthcare, build connections, and seize opportunities. It may take a year or two, depending on the program, but the journey is worthwhile. Talk to those who have done it, visit online forums, and join local healthcare groups to get valuable insights. You can do this!
I appreciate you, Rafael!
Viktoriia
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
22
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I think it is worth the investment in yourself to try to get that extra training and certification. Ask to speak with the director of sterile processing at local hospitals to see if they will give you advice. Be willing to move to other locations, if that is possible and saves you money. The experience of working in more than one place can ultimately be valuable. There are many jobs around the country for surgical techs, so the opportunities exist.
Thank you for advice, James!
Viktoriia